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2012 Legislative Focus: Military Family Relief Fund

I authored legislation this session that will expand the application deadline for grants for military members and their families from the Military Family Relief Fund. Currently, the application deadline for the fund is one year after the service member returns from deployment. If you have ever been in combat, you know it takes some time to adjust back to civilian life. This legislation will extend the application period to three years so the funds are made available for those who need it when they need it.

Each year, military members and their families are eligible for a grant of up to $5,000 through the fund. Because the end date for receiving benefits is extended from one year to three years under this new legislation, the grants will still be up to $5,000 per year, but military members and their families could receive up to $15,000 if they receive the grant for three years. The proceeds from the Hoosier Veteran, POW/MIA and Support Our Troops license plates fund the program. We want to do what we can to help our active military and their families, and the grant application extension is just one way to help.

Interested in applying for the Military Family Relief Fund?

Those interested in applying for the Military Family Relief Fund grant can contact their local county veterans' service officers, call toll free 1-800-400-4520 to have an application mailed or download the application at http://www.in.gov/dva/2329.htm.

Though funded through the sale of military license plates, direct donations are accepted and can be made to the Military Family Relief Fund without purchasing a license plate by making checks out to the Military Family Relief Fund and mailed to Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs at 302 W. Washington St., Rm E120, Indianapolis, Ind. 46204.

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